AN OUTSTANDING MAN

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 100, 19 July 1927, Page 10

AN OUTSTANDING MAN

HEAD OF THE MORRIS WORKS MENDER TO MANUFACTURER One of the most outstanding,' figures in the motor world to-day is Mr. \V. R. Morris, the British manufacturer. A few years ago he was an unknown bicycle-mender, and to-day he bids fair to be as well known as Henry Ford. Mr. Morris, a small, slim man of almost boyish appearance, looking even younger than his 43 years, his jet black hair brushed smoothly back, has none of the appearance that popular imagination would picture of one of England’s leading manufacturers. His meteoric rise from the cycle trade would give one the impression that his success is a matter of luck, but such is not the case. Away back in 1912 and 1913 he had made plans for the business, but the war intervened and naturally prevented them from maturing at the calculated time. But that did mature, which is an indication of the determination of the man and his ability to carry out any policy he might lay down. There is another trait in the character of Mi'. Morris. It has been said that the majority of people can stand poverty, but few can keep on an even keel when success comes their way. However, Mr. Morris is a shining example of a man who has been unspoilt by success. Although he is undoubtedly a very wealthy man, he lives quietly and gives liberally to deserving causes. His two latest activities are the purchase of a coal mine and the purchase of the Wolseley Motors. He paid nearly three-quarters of a million pounds for the Wolseley Works, and paid it by cheque or. the spot. It appears that Americans were bidding for the works, but Mr. Morris purchased them and stated at the time: “I felt it my duty as a British manufacturer to do all in my power to keep the Wolseley Motors under British direction.”